UM Still Has Hope For Future
CORAL GABLES (CBSMiami) – Miami's decision to self-impose a second-straight postseason ban didn't come as a surprise to most observers, even though it is unprecedented in NCAA history. But, with such a young roster, the move could be especially wise.
Looking at Miami's depth chart heading into the Duke game on Saturday, the Canes have just two seniors listed offensively, running back Mike James and backup left guard Jeremy Lewis. UM also has just four juniors listed as starters on the offensive depth chart.
That means UM should be set up well for the next few seasons with a talented team that can grow together on the offensive side of the ball and get to bowl games starting next year and in following years.
Defensively, the Canes had just one starter who is a senior, cornerback Brandon McGee. The Canes also have just four or five starters who were juniors (Freshman Rayshawn Jenkins and junior A.J. Highsmith are listed as co-starters at one safety position.)
Again, by having such a young team in 2012 and going through the growing pains this season, it should set Miami up well in the future.
The Canes' best possible bowl game in 2012 would have been a trip to the Discover Orange Bowl. To achieve that, UM would have had to upset Florida State in the ACC Championship game, if UM got to the ACC title game.
If UM lost to FSU in the ACC title game, it could have been headed to the Russell Athletic Bowl in Orlando, or another bowl of lesser quality had it not made it to the ACC title game.
UM's roster of young players will be back in the ACC title picture and in bowl games as soon as next year. If UM did mitigate the punishment the NCAA was set to hand down against the school by going through two-years of postseason bans, the school's move will likely be replicated in the future by other schools facing the NCAA's wrath.
